Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Abe Burrows

Abe Burrows (born Abram Solman Borowitz; December 18, 1910 – May 17, 1985) was an American writer, director, and librettist whose multifaceted career in entertainment began in and culminated in acclaimed contributions. After training as an accountant at , Burrows transitioned from freelance writing and panel shows to scripting hits like the book for and directing , earning for his sharp wit and narrative craft. His pinnacle achievement came with the 1962 , co-awarded with composer for the satirical musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which lampooned corporate ambition and secured additional honors for Burrows in writing and direction. Over four in total underscored his influence on mid-20th-century musical theater, blending humor with incisive social observation.

Early Life

Birth and Family

Abram Solman Borowitz, who later adopted the professional name Abe Burrows, was born on December 18, 1910, in . He was the eldest of three children of Louis Borowitz, a businessman, and Julia Salzberg Borowitz. His siblings included a younger brother, Selig Saul Borowitz (later Burrows), born in 1913, and a sister, Shirley Burrows (later Alter). The family resided in , where Burrows grew up in a working-class environment amid the city's immigrant communities.

Education and Initial Career

Burrows graduated from in in 1928. He then attended the from 1928 to 1929 and , where he initially studied pre-medicine before shifting to accounting. Although he did not earn a college degree, these studies equipped him for early professional roles in accounting and as a runner on . After leaving , Burrows pursued a brief career in sales and accounting in the early , reflecting the practical vocational training from his university coursework. By 1938, he transitioned into entertainment, starting as a radio scriptwriter on This Is New York. His early radio work expanded to include writing for The in 1940 and Duffy's Tavern from 1940 to 1945, where he honed comedic dialogue and timing. Alongside scripting, he performed as a singer and in nightclubs and on his own radio broadcasts during this period, marking his initial foray into .

Career

Radio Contributions

Burrows began his professional writing career in radio during the late 1930s, initially contributing scripts to the program This Is New York in 1938. He advanced to writing for The Rudy Vallée Show starting in 1940, where he collaborated with performer Vallée and other writers to produce comedic sketches and musical content. In 1941, Burrows partnered with comedian to co-create and serve as head writer for Duffy's Tavern, a series that aired on from November 1941 until 1952, featuring recurring characters like the scheming (played by Gardner) and the tavern's hapless patrons. The show drew on Burrows' satirical humor, emphasizing working-class banter and celebrity guest appearances, which helped it achieve peak popularity with audiences numbering in the millions weekly during the . Burrows departed the series in 1945 to pursue opportunities in but continued contributing occasional material. Following Duffy's Tavern, Burrows wrote sketches for Danny Kaye's short-lived comedy-variety program in the mid-, assisting head writer Goodman Ace in tailoring material for Kaye, co-star , and ensemble performers. He also hosted and performed in his own short-form radio series, including The Abe Burrows Show and Breakfast with Burrows, which consisted of 15-minute episodes blending comedy, music, and parody songs sponsored by ; these aired sporadically in the late and featured Burrows singing novelty tunes he composed. Additionally, Burrows produced gag songs and scores for various radio broadcasts throughout the 1930s and , often drawing from his experience to infuse broadcasts with topical .

Broadway Writing and Librettos

Burrows entered Broadway writing with the book for the musical , co-authored with Jo Swerling and set to music and lyrics by , based on stories by . The production opened on November 24, 1950, at the 46th Street Theatre and ran for 1,200 performances. Burrows' contributions emphasized sharp, capturing the gamblers and mission workers central to the plot, contributing to the show's critical and commercial success. In 1953, Burrows solely authored the book for Can-Can, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, depicting conflicts between a Montmartre nightclub owner and authorities over the titular dance. It premiered on May 7, 1953, at the Shubert Theatre, achieving 892 performances. The libretto balanced comedic legal entanglements with romantic subplots, earning praise for its lively Parisian atmosphere and integration of Porter's score. Burrows' libretto for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, adapted from Shepherd Mead's satirical book with additional contributions from Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, featured music and lyrics by . The show opened on October 14, 1961, at the 46th Street Theatre and ran for 1,417 performances, marking one of Broadway's longest-running musicals of the era. His writing satirized corporate ladder-climbing through the J. Pierrepont Finch's opportunistic maneuvers, blending humor with structural songs like "I Believe in You." Burrows also penned or co-penned librettos for other musicals, including First Impressions (1959), an adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with music by Robert Wright and George Forrest, which opened April 18, 1959, for 164 performances; and contributions to Say, Darling (1958), a backstage satire with book co-credited to Burrows, Paul Osman, and Sandor Szabo. Additionally, he adapted elements of the book for Silk Stockings (1955), Cole Porter's musical version of the film Ninotchka, which ran for 477 performances. These works showcased his versatility in comedic timing and narrative economy, often drawing from radio-honed wit to propel ensemble-driven stories.

Directing on Broadway

Burrows made his Broadway directing debut in 1951 with the revue Two on the Aisle, which featured music and lyrics by and and , and ran for 215 performances at the . That year, he also contributed uncredited book work to Make a Wish. His early directing efforts focused on musical comedies and revues, where he frequently collaborated on books or adaptations, emphasizing crisp pacing and character-driven humor in ensemble-driven productions. In the 1950s, Burrows directed several original musicals, including Three Wishes for Jamie (1952, 92 performances), (1953, book by Burrows, music and lyrics by , 892 performances at the Shubert Theatre), (1955, book by Burrows, , Leueen McGrath, and Anne Caldwell, music and lyrics by , 477 performances), and Happy Hunting (1956, 270 performances). stood out for its commercial success and lively choreography by , establishing Burrows' reputation for staging sophisticated yet accessible musical entertainment. He also helmed non-musicals like The Golden Fleecing (1959, 89 performances). Burrows' most acclaimed directing work came with How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961, book by Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, music and lyrics by ), which opened October 14 at the 46th Street Theatre and ran for 1,417 performances, winning the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. The production, with musical staging by , satirized corporate ambition through tight ensemble numbers and satirical precision. Later successes included Say, Darling (1958, book by Burrows, music and lyrics by , , and , 312 performances), First Impressions (1959, book by Burrows adapting Jane Austen's , music and lyrics by Robert Allen and , 84 performances), What Makes Sammy Run? (1964, book by Burrows adapting Budd Schulberg's novel, music by , 540 performances), Cactus Flower (1965, written by Burrows from a French original, 1,277 performances), and Forty Carats (1968, 780 performances). These hits, particularly the comedies, highlighted his skill in directing farce and character interplay, often yielding long runs and film adaptations. In the 1970s, Burrows directed shorter-lived originals like (1973, 1 performance) and Four on a Garden (1971, 50 performances, with Burrows adapting one segment), alongside revivals such as Good News (1974, book adapted by Burrows, 16 performances) and a 1976 all-Black cast version of (book co-credited to Burrows, 193 performances, with Burrows supervising the production). He attempted a musical adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's but withdrew during previews. Later credits included supervising revivals of (1981, 4 performances) and (2009, 113 performances). Burrows' directing career spanned over two decades of consistent output, blending his writing expertise with efficient, commercially oriented stagings, though later efforts often faced challenges with audience tastes shifting toward edgier material.

HUAC Testimony and Professional Resilience

In 1951, Abe Burrows received a from the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) amid investigations into alleged Communist influences in the entertainment industry. He appeared in on March 20, 1951, and testified again publicly in 1952, cooperating with the committee by providing information on his past associations. During his testimony, Burrows acknowledged attending meetings and parties with known members but denied ever formally joining the party, stating he retained "a stubborn pride in that I never took the final step." He identified individuals he described as Communists or , including casual acquaintances from his early career in radio and theater circles, though he expressed reluctance when questioned about closer personal contacts. Burrows faced no formal charges and avoided placement on the Hollywood blacklist, which sidelined many non-cooperative figures in the industry. His professional trajectory demonstrated resilience: shortly after his 1952 testimony, he directed the hit musical (opened October 7, 1953, running 892 performances) and co-wrote (opened February 24, 1955), followed by the Pulitzer Prize-winning How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (opened October 14, 1961). These successes, including for direction and , underscored his continued prominence on despite the era's political pressures.

Television and Miscellaneous Work

Burrows hosted the variety program Abe Burrows' Almanac on , which aired live from January 4 to March 29, 1950, featuring music, comedy sketches, and guest performers accompanied by Milton Delugg's orchestra; the half-hour show aired Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET and was promoted with Burrows billed as the "bald-headed from ." Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Burrows made frequent television appearances as a panelist and guest, leveraging his wit and show business expertise. He served as a regular panelist on CBS's This Is Show Business (1949–1956), alongside hosts like Clifton Fadiman and fellow panelists such as George S. Kaufman. He also appeared on episodes of What's My Line? (e.g., October 22, 1950), To Tell the Truth, and as a team captain on NBC's The Match Game (e.g., episodes in 1964 with Carol Lawrence and 1965 with Ethel Merman). Additional guest spots included Person to Person (February 11, 1955, hosted by Edward R. Murrow), The Steve Allen Show (1951), and programs like PM East and the Dinah Shore Show. In miscellaneous endeavors outside theater and broadcasting, Burrows published the memoir Honest, Abe: Is There Really No Business Like Show Business? in 1980, reflecting on his in . He also recorded two albums of original songs and issued An Abe Burrows Songbook, compiling his compositions from radio and stage work.

Awards, Recognition, and Legacy

Major Awards and Honors

Burrows co-authored the book for the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, earning the 1962 alongside composer ; the award recognized the work's satirical examination of corporate ambition. He received four : three for authorship on the books of (1951), (1954), and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1962), with the latter also securing him a Tony for Best Direction of a Musical. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying further garnered the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Musical in 1962.

Critical Reception and Influence

Burrows' book for Guys and Dolls, which premiered on Broadway on November 24, 1950, received widespread critical acclaim for its sharp wit and faithful adaptation of Damon Runyon's characters. Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times praised the production as "brilliantly" cast, acted, and directed under George S. Kaufman, noting its meticulous execution. The New York Daily News described it as a "perfect musical comedy," swift, crisp, and precise without lagging moments. Critics later regarded the show as a model of the musical comedy genre and one of the finest productions of the 20th century. Similarly, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which opened on October 14, 1961, was hailed as a critical and commercial success, with The New York Times reporting it as an immediate hit among reviewers for its satirical take on corporate ambition. However, not all of Burrows' efforts fared as well; his adaptation First Impressions (1959), a musical version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, ran for only 84 performances amid negative reviews questioning its comedic tone. The 1966 musicalization of Breakfast at Tiffany's also drew harsh criticism, prompting extensive rewrites by Burrows and others, ultimately closing after four performances. Burrows' influence on Broadway stems from his versatile command of humor, blending radio-honed one-liners with satirical observations of American society, as evidenced in his uncredited "doctoring" of numerous shows that enhanced their commercial viability. His collaborations, particularly with Frank Loesser, exemplified integrated storytelling that elevated librettos beyond mere plot vehicles, setting a benchmark for character-driven musical comedies. Attributing much of his technique to mentorship under George S. Kaufman, Burrows' emphasis on precise timing and wry dialogue impacted generations of writers and directors, contributing to his recognition as a pivotal mid-20th-century comedic force.

Criticisms and Limitations

Burrows' testimony before the (HUAC) on November 25, 1952, in which he identified casual acquaintances as former members, elicited criticism from observers who viewed it as a betrayal of colleagues for career preservation. Represented by attorney Martin Gang, who advised full cooperation including naming names, Burrows avoided and continued his professional ascent, but this stance drew accusations of moral evasion, particularly from left-leaning circles wary of anticommunist inquiries. Theatrical works like Eric Bentley's 1975 play Are You Now or Have You Ever Been? depicted Burrows as using humor to sidestep ethical dilemmas during such hearings, portraying his approach as clownish deflection rather than principled engagement. In Broadway contributions, disputes arose over credit for Guys and Dolls (1950), with Jo Swerling's family and associates contending that Burrows minimized Swerling's original while claiming primary authorship in later accounts, leading to claims of undue attribution. Burrows maintained that he extensively rewrote the book without relying on Swerling's draft, a position supported by collaborators like composer , yet the controversy highlighted tensions in collaborative theater credits. Certain productions underscored limitations in Burrows' adaptability beyond contemporary satire; the 1959 musical First Impressions, his adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, closed after 84 performances following unfavorable reviews that questioned a modern comedy specialist's handling of period material. Later efforts, including the 1966 musical Breakfast at Tiffany's, similarly faltered commercially, reflecting challenges in sustaining the sharp, office-politics wit of hits like How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961) across varied genres.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Abe Burrows married Ruth Levinson on September 6, 1936; the union lasted until their divorce on April 4, 1949. The couple had two children: son James, born in 1940, who became an Emmy-winning television director known for work on series such as and , and daughter Laurie, born in 1944, who pursued a career as an author and producer. In 1950, Burrows married Carin Smith Kinzel, a , , and ; the marriage endured until his death in 1985, spanning 35 years. No children resulted from this second marriage, and Carin survived him. Burrows maintained relationships with his children from the first marriage, who were cited as survivors in his obituaries alongside Carin.

Later Years and Death

In the 1970s, Burrows continued to engage with audiences through frequent television appearances as a panelist on programs such as What's My Line? and . He also guested on public television's Day at Night in 1973, discussing his theatrical career. These activities reflected a shift from active production to more reflective and public-facing roles, following his earlier successes in writing and directing. Burrows published his autobiography, Honest Abe: Is There Really No Business Like Show Business?, in 1980, offering insights into his experiences in radio, theater, and the entertainment industry. The book candidly addressed the self-promotion and challenges inherent to , drawing from his decades-long career. In his final years, Burrows battled , a condition that progressively impaired his health. He died from the illness on May 17, 1985, at age 74 in , his birthplace.

References

  1. [1]
    Abe Burrows papers - NYPL Archives - The New York Public Library
    Abe Burrows, playwright, lyricist, director, screenwriter, comedian and play doctor was born Abram S. Burrows on December 18, 1910 in New York City to Louis and ...
  2. [2]
    Abe Burrows, Broadway's Wit of Many Talents, Dies
    May 19, 1985 · Born Abram Solman Borowitz on Dec. 18, 1910, he graduated from New York University with a degree in accounting in 1932.<|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Abe Burrows - The Official Masterworks Broadway Site
    Radio humorist, songwriter, singer and pianist, television personality, panelist, playwright, and stage director
  4. [4]
    Abe Burrows | Concord Theatricals
    Born December 18, 1910 in NYC, Abe Burrows graduated New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn and later attended both City College and NYU.
  5. [5]
    Abe Burrows (Director) | Playbill
    Pulitzer Prize. 1962, Pulitzer Prize for Drama. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Winner. Tony Award. 1962, Best Direction of a Musical. How to ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Abe Burrows, the writer-director who won a Pulitzer Prize... - UPI
    May 19, 1985 · NEW YORK -- Abe Burrows, the writer-director who won a Pulitzer Prize for the musical 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,' ...
  7. [7]
    ABE BURROWS, BROADWAY WRITER-DIRECTOR, IS DEAD
    May 19, 1985 · '' appeared in 1979. Abe Burrows was born Abram Solman Borowitz in New York City on Dec. 18, 1910, the eldest of three children of Louis and ...Missing: parents | Show results with:parents
  8. [8]
    Abe Burrows - NNDB
    Born: 18-Dec-1910. Birthplace: New York City Died: 17-May-1985. Location of death: ... Father: Louis Borowitz Mother: Julia Salzberg Wife: Ruth Levinson (m ...Missing: family | Show results with:family
  9. [9]
    Abram Solman Burrows (Borowitz) (1910 - 1985) - Genealogy - Geni
    Abe Burrows was born Abram Solman Borowitz in New York City on Dec. 18, 1910, the eldest of three children of Louis and Julia Salzberg Borowitz. In the early ...
  10. [10]
    Selig Saul Burrows (Borowitz) (1913 - 1997) - Genealogy - Geni
    Birth: June 1 1913 - USA. Death: Feb 16 1997 - USA. Parents: Louis Burrows, Julia Burrows (born Salzberg). Siblings: Abe Burrows, Shirley Alter (born Burrows).
  11. [11]
    Abe Burrows scores - NYPL Archives - The New York Public Library
    ... Abe Burrows, Won Pulitzer Prize for "How To Succeed in Business", Boston Globe, 1985 May 19 Abe Burrows, http://en.wikipedia.org/wike/Abe_Burrows. Scope and ...
  12. [12]
    Abe Burrows | Music Theatre International
    After studying to be a doctor and an accountant, Abe Burrows had a career in sales before becoming a successful radio script writer and writer/performer of ...Missing: education | Show results with:education<|separator|>
  13. [13]
    Abe Burrows | Concord Theatricals
    His career in radio and television writing began with This is New York (1938), followed by the Rudy Vallee Program (1940), Duffy's Town (1940-1945), and the ...Missing: early | Show results with:early<|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Abe Burrows - Biography - IMDb
    Songwriter, composer, writer, panelist, director, singer and pianist, educated at City College of New York and New York University.
  15. [15]
    Playwright: Abe Burrows (1910-1985) - Oregon Shakespeare Festival
    With collaborator Frank Loesser, Burrows won a Pulitzer Prize and Tony and New York Drama Critics awards for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. ...
  16. [16]
    https://www.otrcat.com/p/abe-burrows-show
  17. [17]
    Abe Burrows collection of sound recordings [sound recording]
    This collection contains recordings of the complete runs of both "The Abe Burrows Show" and "Breakfast with Burrows." There are also recordings of many of the ...
  18. [18]
    Guys and Dolls | Music Theatre International
    Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950.Guys and Dolls JR. · Guys and Dolls SR. · Guys and Dolls Choreography...
  19. [19]
    Guys and Dolls – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB
    Guys and Dolls (Original, Musical, Comedy, Broadway) opened in New York City Nov 24, 1950 and played through Nov 28, 1953.
  20. [20]
    Can-Can | Concord Theatricals
    Can-Can. Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 2w, 3m plus ensemble. Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by Abe BurrowsDetails · Materials
  21. [21]
    Can-Can – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB
    Can-Can (Original, Musical, Comedy, Broadway) opened in New York City May 7, 1953 and played through Jun 25, 1955.
  22. [22]
    How To Succeed In Business... - Music Theatre International
    An irreverent and tuneful romp, jam-packed with sly, swift and sharp jabs to the funny bone, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying is a surefire hit!
  23. [23]
    How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - IBDB
    How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Original, Musical, Comedy, Broadway) opened in New York City Oct 14, 1961 and played through Mar 6, 1965.
  24. [24]
    How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - Frank Loesser
    The show opened on October 14, 1961, running for 1,417 performances, winning multiple Tony Awards (including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best ...<|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Abe Burrows – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB
    Abe Burrows is credited as Director and Writer ... CREDITS. Broadway; Touring. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Mar 27, 2011 - May 20, 2012).Missing: librettos | Show results with:librettos
  26. [26]
    [PDF] THE RED PROBES OF HOLLYWOOD, 1947-1952 Jack D. Meeks ...
    “Transcript of the Executive Session Testimony of Abe Burrows” (March. 20, 1951), Box 15, Records of the Investigative Section, Records of the House Un ...
  27. [27]
    Thirty Years Of Treason - The New York Times
    Dec 12, 1971 · Only in a Hollywood‐H.C.U.A. production could a writer like Abe Burrows have no trouble naming casual acquaintances as Communists, but, when ...<|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Abe Burrows' Almanac (TV Series 1950– ) - IMDb
    Rating 6.6/10 (13) Abe Burrows' Almanac ... Host Abe Burrows, before he was a big singing star, invites other popular singers to perform.Host Abe Burrows, before he was a big ...
  29. [29]
    Abe Burrows' Almanac - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide
    Find out how to watch Abe Burrows' Almanac. Stream the latest seasons and episodes, watch trailers, and more for Abe Burrows' Almanac at TV Guide.
  30. [30]
    Abe Burrows' Almanac TV Show - Watch Online - CBS Series Spoilers
    An early CBS variety show, Abe Burrows' Almanac starred comedian Abe Burrows and Milton Delugg's Orchestra. The series aired Wednesdays at 9pm (EST) for a 1/2 ...
  31. [31]
    This Is Show Business (TV Series 1949–1956) - IMDb
    Rating 5.8/10 (15) Top Cast99+ ; Clifton Fadiman · Self - Host ; Abe Burrows · Self - Panelist ; George S. Kaufman · Self - Panelist ; Sam Levenson · Self - Panelist ; Faye Emerson.<|control11|><|separator|>
  32. [32]
    "Person to Person" Abe Burrows (TV Episode 1955) - IMDb
    Abe Burrows · Director. Franklin J. Schaffner · Stars. Edward R. Murrow · Abe Burrows · Pierre S. DuPont III.
  33. [33]
    Nominations / 1962 - Tony Awards
    1962 / Director (Musical). Winner Globe. Abe Burrows, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Nominated Globe. Gower Champion, Carnival. Nominated ...
  34. [34]
    'GUYS AND DOLLS'; Broadway Rat-Race Based on Some Damon ...
    Kaufman's meticulous and appreciative di- rection, "Guys and Dolls" is cast and acted brilliantly. Now that it has been so ably produced, it is impossible to ...
  35. [35]
    'Guys and Dolls' is New York's musical comedy: 1950 review
    Nov 24, 2015 · “Guys and Dolls” is a perfect musical comedy. Under the masterful direction of George S. Kaufman, it is swift, crisp and precise, with not a lagging instant.
  36. [36]
    'HOW TO SUCCEED' IS DOING BUSINESS; New Musical a Hit With ...
    "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," the new musical that opened at the Forty-sixth Street Theatre Saturday.
  37. [37]
    Breakfast at Tiffany's Becomes a Poorly Cooked Musical
    Jul 9, 2025 · Critics were brutal. Entire chunks of the show were rewritten—first by Burrows, and then by none other than Edward Albee, who was brought in as ...
  38. [38]
    Abe Burrows - Librettist - StageAgent
    His breakout theatrical achievement came with Guys and Dolls (1950), for which he co-wrote the book with Jo Swerling, set to Frank Loesser's music and lyrics.
  39. [39]
    Cornered Rats and Personal Betrayals - Los Angeles Times
    Oct 20, 1997 · Many of the people who cooperated with HUAC, including Collins, Hayden, Lee J. Cobb and Abe Burrows, had something else in common--their lawyer, ...
  40. [40]
    A Play About HUAC Stirs Hollywood - The New York Times
    Sep 7, 1975 · Allan Miller etches a brilliant portrait of veteran stage director Abe Burrows, a man who plays the clown in order to evade the moral ...
  41. [41]
    'GUYS AND DOLLS'; Abe Burrows: Undue Credit?
    May 3, 1992 · To the Editor: I am saddened by the misinformation in William Kennedy's article "The Runyonland Express Is Back in Town" [ April 12 ] .
  42. [42]
    THOSE GUYS AND DOLLS. June 22, 2018 - Ron Fassler
    Jun 22, 2018 · Abe Burrows was a busy man when the Guys and Dolls team approached him to write what would be his first book to a musical. Having become famous ...
  43. [43]
    Broadway Playwright Abe Burrows Dies - The Washington Post
    May 18, 1985 · Burrows married Ruth Levinson in 1936. They were divorced in 1948. Survivors include his second wife, Carin, two children, a brother, a sister ...Missing: family | Show results with:family
  44. [44]
    Day at Night » Abe Burrows, playwright and screenwriter. » - CUNY TV
    Apr 15, 2019 · Playwright Abe Burrows comments on his career and the theater. Host: James Day. Classic public television talk program from 1973-1974.Missing: 1970s 1980s
  45. [45]
    Honest, Abe: BURROWS, Abe: Amazon.com: Books
    In order to succeed in show business, one must constantly self-promote and Abe was a master at it. By his own admission, he was not a great piano player or ...